Animal Care Review Board


The Animal Care Review Board is an independent, quasi-judicial agency in Ontario, Canada. It is one of 13 adjudicative tribunals under the Ministry of the Attorney General that make up Tribunals Ontario.
The ACRB conducts hearings, hearing appeals of orders and decisions made by the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector and other animal welfare inspectors on disputes regarding animal welfare in Ontario.

Authority

The role and authority of ACRB is mandated under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019, which allows inspectors to conduct risk-based inspections, reactively respond to urgent animal welfare concerns, and collect evidence to lay charges.
The Chief Animal Welfare Inspector is accountable to the Solicitor General and is responsible for giving animal owners/custodians notices and taking action if necessary.

Powers

After conducting a hearing, the ACRB may:
  • change, confirm or cancel an order;
  • return the animal to its rightful owner or custodian;
  • reimburse costs to the owner or custodian by the Minister; and/or
  • reimburse costs to the Chief Animal Welfare Inspector by the owner or custodian.